Balmain Homme

The Balmain biker denim jeans has been the cornerstone of the Parisian label since more than half a decade ago. First introduced by Christophe Decarnin for Balmain Fall Winter 2009 menswear, the biker series has not only became known as one of the most insanely priced denim wear, but has naturally evolve to be highly sought after in the luxury designer universe, and remains as one of the quintessential icons of the brand.

The current creative director for Balmain, Olivier Rousteing has looked upon Decarnin’s aesthetics ever since he joined the company in 2009. He has worked closely with the late “star designer” Decarnin and has replaced him since April 2011. Rousteing moved the label towards the finer aspects of French couture, he has brought in the much-needed fresh take on the brand’s base aesthetic that remains to this day.

In his generation as creative director, Rousteing introduced many innovation that has been applied towards the classical Decarnin era biker aesthetics, simply by transforming them with seasonal codes generated from his creative interest and by retaining predominant styling cues from its predecessors such as the notably ribbed detailing and front waist zippers. His rework on the biker denim jeans has eventually grew the existing category and unfold many new seasonal colourways in bold transitions. I could still recall Rousteing’s first official Balmain menswear collection back in Spring Summer 2012 when the label went on a deliberate take on the biker denim jeans in feminine pastel colours of salmon pink and washed yellow, a revolutionary move which has lead to the generic adoption in prevailing menswear and translated later into high street fashion.

For this Spring Summer 2015, the designer champions the latest Balmain design language with an unprecedented iteration of sharp colours played in a geometrical affair, featuring bold race accents in bi and tri-colour ways was mainly an inspiration taken from sportswear. A striking adaption of the concept was translated across an entire range of band panelled biker denim jeans is perhaps sharply contrast with the label’s reputation of its military design. Despite earlier criticism the current Balmain Spring Summer 2015 seasonal biker denim jeans seems to be very well received by consumers and sells well among global online retailers. You’ll either love it or hate it, these highly prized pieces includes the Balmain Dirty White Contrast Panelled Stretch Denim Biker Jeans and the exclusive Balmain Yellow Contrast Panelled Stretch Denim Biker Jeans that are both selling out fast. The dirty white biker has appealed to most consumers among the rest as the top seller because of its monochromatic high contrast detailed aesthetics along with worn-out whites which makes it more wearable and feasible to compliment with other outfits. While the loud mustard yellow biker in particular features a crucial bi-colour take on its added side band panelling, these characteristics are similarly derived from the “Kill Bill” jump suit trademark, looks rather impressive, but is not for everyone as it will serve as a challenge to pair with. These pieces are made in Italy alike the Decarnin era’s and is elevated to be even more collectible for most Balmain fanatics.

*Measurement below are taken by hand and reflects the best measurement interpreted by concluding from various global retailers. These are not the official measurement provided by the designer ‘Balmain Paris’ itself, therefore may result in slight inaccuracy.

*Prices without asterisk includes DDP (delivery duty paid) shipped to United States, all prices are quoted in USD and varies among the rest of the world.

*Sizes will be frequently updated according to stock arrival till the end of Spring Summer 2015.

Balmain’s creative director Olivier Rousteing signed an artistic direction for TÊTU Magazine, March 2015 / No. 208 issue – (Têtu by the name in French for “stubborn”) is a general interest gay publication in France. Photographed by Mariano Vivanco, hair-do by Nabil Harlow and make-up done by Niki M’Nray, the exclusive fashion editorial was shot in the prestigious Maxim’s Restaurant in Paris.

A monumental understatement titled as “A Sexy Night Out With The Balmain Army” that staged 13 male and female models dressed and undressed in the latest Balmain Fall Winter 2015 wear to past archive collections dating back to early Spring Summer 2012. Styled by Rousteing himself, the 12-page series featured many womens and menswear prominent key pieces that were designed throughout Rousteing’s time as creative director, such as the SS12 leather dress appliquéd with metallic gold, extravagant FW12 pearl beaded velvet jackets and dresses, SS13 checked techno raffia dress from the womenswear just to name a few, addition to this Rousteing highlights his current SS15 men’s sportswear collection – notably the bi-color leather trousers and distinct open toe lace-up gladiators boots, this further includes to promote his latest Balmain Fall Winter 2015 menswear which showcases an array of crystal embellished blazers. The models poses in explicit debauchery moments assembled to complete the elementary agenda.

At an age when fluid fashion state and exuberant crystal rhinestone outerwear seems less practical for the daily wearer, downsizing from a high glamour runway collection is prevalent when it comes to practicality. The Balmain Fall Winter 2015 menswear showroom unveils a shrouded commercial collection for the frequent wearer scheduled for the upcoming retailer stock intake.

Global buyers who attended the bi-annual showroom presentation day have exposed the first photographs of much of the unseen collection that is due to surface in-stores from late August 2015 onwards. Enclosed within the commercial collection features a standard range of conventional variety at a seasonal approach, Balmain gave its trademark biker look a minor cosmetic facelift and new style lesson which seems to be taken from the former collections.

Familiar adaptations inclined for fall winter has return this season includes a Balmain Black Nylon-Panelled Padded Down Jacket with a slight double-zipper tweaks at the front and severe changes to the fabric, seen earlier available in a khaki military green interpretation at MR PORTER for Balmain Fall Winter 2014 menswear. As teddy jackets are frequently associated with successful style making, the designer came up with a Balmain Navy & Burgundy Navajo-Embroidered Varsity Wool Jacket, a productive approach by extending the concurrent Balmain Spring Summer 2015 menswear blueprint to the forthcoming season.

Spotted from the jeans category are a series of momentous distressed and destroyed biker denims that compromise Decarnin’s notorious styling, bound to thrill the Balmain enthusiast and due to popular demand, a pair of Balmain Blue Washed Destroyed Denim Biker Jeans made available at 18cm in Fall Winter 2013 is offered in a similar styling at a skinny 16cm silhouette. This pair is predicted to sell out within a weeks, including the new zip-embellished elements on the biker sweatpants. Besides the conventional revision and aside from the vigorous runway collection, the designer is exploring a brand identity strategy by labelling its house logo and name across a series of tops and footwear collection. Some pretentious pieces includes “Do you speak Balmain” and “Balmain Army” hash-tags in metallic text printed across t-shirts, which seems largely targeted at mainstream consumers. Personally, I felt this is not a wise maneuver as it is contrast to the Balmain values, while elements should continue to remain noble and spirited from traditional codes. Shop the best Balmain Spring Summer 2015 menswear collection at Luisa Via Roma.Continue Reading

Luxury has become Balmain’s staple, so it’s not surprise to see where creative director Olivier Rousteing is heading to. For this season, the Balmain Men’s Fall Winter 2015 presentation day took place on Thursday 25th January 2015 at 2:00pm in Hôtel d’Evreux, Paris. The designer sets a new benchmark venturing into a doze of affluent wardrobe collection inspired by what he believes as the new generation of international aristocrats would wear, to parties of course.

The Balmain Fall Winter 2015 menswear collection is catered for a diverse and inclusive group of stylish consumers who aren’t afraid to peacock. A blend of fluid silhouettes flourish the latest menswear in regal fabrics includes rich velvets, silks, and cashmere. Of course, not to forget Balmain’s ultimate code – what is the answer to luxury without exorbitant features? Gold embroidery with red contrast accents forms signature military patchworks, raccoon furs dressed shawl lapels, while shimmery metallic leather highlights exclusive relevance, these were just some of the prominent “icing on the cake” that make for a very classy collection.

One of the most distinct masterpieces recognizable from the Fall Winter 2015 collection is the extravagant Balmain Crystal Rhinestone Embellished Jacket, much like the it’s hefty Balmain Spring Summer 2015 Navajo Beaded series sibling, the latest diamanté tuxedo jacket weighs a staggering 25 kilograms and is estimated to be priced from $45,000 till $60,000 for the range-topper, coat jacket as seen on the runway below in dark blue. Few houses would spare the expense in such an investment, but for any men in Balmain world, money is no object to such consideration. Another distinguish feature is the cashmere beanies, whereby all models were wearing during the presentation show, including Rousteing himself, explained that is was touch of tribute to hip-hop culture, which evidently poses a vital form of identity and a new standard of dynamism towards the collection.

Olivier Rousteing, the creative director of Balmain, explained that the Fall Winter 2015 collection is very close to performing and playing with the Balmain house codes, he said, a richness collection that men might be looking for, there is still a customer in need for this high glamour. Besides this, Rosteing’s celebrity wishlist has already been accomplished so far, he mentioned that he had the chance to dress all the celebrities he has ever wanted, from Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, to Jay Z, Rihanna for the previous house campaign, David Beckham and so forth, a personal approach were key models dress in his Balmain works of arts.

Due to the nature of the presentation looks it was not possible to get a full impression of the Balmain Fall Winter 2015 menswear collection. However, an upcoming sneak peek preview will enable us to gauge the collection’s potential. Either way, it is encouraging to see such an exclusive luxury essence is incorporated into a beautiful seasonal collection offered along with the classic biker collection, which leaves very little compromises. If you fancy a luxury designer that seemingly offers an affluent impression and an abundance of selection, than the Balmain Fall Winter 2015 menswear is worth a closer look. I can’t wait, and I know I’m not alone. For earlier in-depth reviews, visit the Balmain Fall Winter 2015 Menswear Collection post.

‘Automne Hiver’ in French is where Parisian designer Balmain really excels in its evolutionary offerings – house appointed creative designer Olivier Rousteing produced a personal #balmainarmy collection that best describe the spirit of his generation and style comfortable to be called his own. He titled, dedicated, and pursuit the new aristocracy, underlying every inch of classic and elegance at the latest Balmain Fall Winter 2015 menswear collection.

The Balmain Fall Winter 2015 menswear collection feels tremendously luxurious, it is known to accentuate from all the fashion capitals of the world, by what Rousteing predicts as the current generation of artistocrats would wear during an evening night out. The designer focuses in referencing to a creative mix of classic tailored pieces with fluid styling blend in with contemporary hip-hop as blown up to oversized proportions pants and coat dominates the silhouette – a unique upmarket appeal that seeks a hefty price tag to match. Just by observing the richness of the collection oozes a symphony of detailed extravagance and sets off a distinct grandeur.

“It’s my royal army” said Rousteing in the show notes for the collection, as a troop of models marched into the 18th century gilded establishment of Hôtel d’Évreux mansion during the official catwalk presentation day. Black cashmere beanies and hints of military dress permitted every aspect of his menswear presentation. The designer has modulate on Balmain’s Spring Summer 2015 striped sports and race references which consist an abundance of casual jersey and knitwear, as the near future direction dwells across a diverse and comprehensive men in detailed regiment braiding.

Balmain’s proposed gold and red contrast embroidered lion crest became the opulence emblem feature of the Fall Winter 2015 menswear collection. It appeared from a variety of outwear, from royal velvet satin trimmed smoking cropped blazers to racoon fur hooded padded down bombers, quilted biker leathers, college varsity jackets, bathrobe long coats and even full-on beaver fur peacoats were not exempt from this feature.

Everything here is exquisite as seen because of the high levels of materials used inevitably played a vital role in signature looks. “For fall, I turned to more ‘regal’ fabrics, including rich velvets, silks and cashmere, but I’ve worked to maintain that same easy vibe, in part by relying on over-sized and relaxed cuts.” as declared by the designer. The main anchor series of the collection emphasis on angular-cut crystals that are encrusted on to cropped blazers much like Spring Summer’s Navajo Beaded series. These are mainly reserved for editorial use, and reserved for top-end cliental including celebrities expected to be sported on, such Kanye West who is currently the new face of Balmain Spring Summer 2015 menswear campaign.

Overall the Balmain Fall Winter 2015 menswear collection has made a striking representation that once again underlined Olivier Rousteing’s ultra luxe successful contribution to the house as creative director since Spring Summer 2012. For looks wise may divide opinion but I certainly like it, it looks strong and masculine just like what Balmain Homme should be and even if it doesn’t appeal, you can’t deny that it has stacks of wardrobe and street presence. Particularly with the red accents setting on those metallic gold skate slip-on sneaker soles – a must have for any Balmaniac!

However Creative Director Olivier Rousteing knew that the mandatory seasonal ad campaign needed more than just supermodels. After all consumers these days aren’t easily driven by brand engagement. Therefore omnipresent pop-culture celebrities Kim Kardashian and Kanye West would make a blazing lasting impression of the Parisian label in memories of consumers to come. Balmain knows that this will certainly have a major influence in brand engagement and participation as consumers are more likely engaged with personalities associated.

I am somewhat not completely shocked and had foreseen the West family would eventually dominate the Balmain campaign, and you should not be surprise to see them again in the near future. Rousteing has a close friendship with the couple and has seen him frequently dress them in the latest Balmain runway ready-to-wear collection since they were also long-time supporters of the brand, and more often Rousteing admires Kim and Kanye as the modern “icons” of his generation.

The 28 year old designer says for this menswear campaign, the initiative was “to capture a moment of love” — the Army of Lovers. “Kim and Kanye are style icons and friends. It is an honour to have them in this Balmain campaign. Together, they represent love, beauty and diversity — they are the new modernity. This is more than a campaign, it expresses something beyond clothes — it is a celebration of love and friendship. This is a new statement for Balmain.” Rousteing mentioned in a release about the campaign.

Subscribe & Follow

WEEKLY WISHLIST

My unaccomplished endless mission to acquire the highly desirable pieces from leading luxury fashion houses. Look no further as I have picked the best out of a winning selection of most coveted menswear. I believe when you buy a piece from one of the labels, you are not just buying well-made fashion, you are buying works of art and culture, and that makes it a true investment.

I NEED THIS: Dior Homme Black & Yellow DiorClub1 Visor

I NEED THIS: Gucci Purple 'Blind For Love' Tiger Bomber Jacket

I NEED THIS: Gucci Black & Green Embroidered Souvenir Jacket

I NEED THIS: Balenciaga
Multicolor Triple S Sneaker

I NEED THIS: Saint Laurent
White Shearling Crossbody Pouch

I NEED THIS: Acne Studios
Black Shearling Ian Jacket

I NEED THIS: Acne Studios
Black Shearling Ian Aviator Jacket

I NEED THIS: Gucci
Black Sega 'Gucci' Magnetismo Book Pouch

I NEED THIS: Balenciaga
Grey & Black All Over Logo Crewneck Sweater

I NEED THIS: Balenciaga
Black Triple S Sneakers

I NEED THIS: Balenciaga Black Baseball Cap

I NEED THIS: Balenciaga Black Logo Print T-Shirt

I NEED THIS: Balenciaga White Pack of 3 Branded Boxers

I NEED THIS: Tom Ford Black Fur Sandals

I NEED THIS: Tom Ford Dark Green Velvet Blazer

I NEED THIS: Tom Ford Shearling Zipped Hoodie

I NEED THIS: Balenciaga Grey Triple S Sneakers

I NEED THIS: THOM BROWNE HECTOR STRIPED CASHMERE DOG CARDIGAN

I NEED THIS: THOM BROWNE GREY CASHMERE STRIPED POLO SHIRT

I NEED THIS: THOM BROWNE CRAB-APPLIQUED POLISHED-LEATHER POUCH

I NEED THIS: GUCCI APPLIQUED & EMBROIDERED VELVET BOMBER JACKET

I NEED THIS: GUCCI CAMP-COLLAR PRINTED SILK SHIRTS

I NEED THIS: GUCCI EMBROIDERED STONEWASHED SLIM-FIT DENIM JEANS

I NEED THIS: GUCCI QUEERCORE BROGUE MONK SHOES

I NEED THIS: GUCCI BLIND FOR LOVE BEE EMBOSSED TOTE

I NEED THIS: GUCCI KING CHARLES SPANIEL BIKER JACKET

I NEED THIS: GUCCI BEE APPLIQUE BOMBER JACKET

I NEED THIS: GUCCI FLORAL-EMBROIDERED COTTON-POPLIN SHIRT

I NEED THIS: GUCCI HIGHLANDS WEBBING-TRIMMED COTTON-DRILL PANTS

I NEED THIS: GUCCI SNAKE EMBROIDERED CLASSIC SNEAKERS

I NEED THIS: GUCCI PANTHER BOMBER JACKET

I NEED THIS: GUCCI APPLIQUED SILK-SATIN BOMBER JACKET

I NEED THIS: GUCCI CAMP-COLLAR PRINTED SILK-TWILL SHIRT

I NEED THIS: GUCCI BEE EMBROIDERED STONEWASHED SLIM-FIT DENIM JEANS

I NEED THIS: GUCCI ACE LOW-TOP FLORAL-JACQUARD TRAINERS

GIFT IDEAS FOR HER

Discover a tasteful selection of perfect gifts for any special occasions. Surprise her with a present that she will never forget!